'Road to nowhere' could be finished next year

Work on the southern section of the road started more than 15 years ago

A major relief road that has been dubbed "the road to nowhere" should be completed next year, according to the local authority.

Phil Larratt, cabinet member for highways and transport at West Northamptonshire Council, said it was "making significant strides" to complete the Sandy Lane relief road near Northampton.

The existing road has been closed for more than a year, prompting complaints from residents.

Larratt said the council hoped the "full route will be operational by spring 2025, much earlier than initially planned".

Businesses in the area said they had lost trade as a result of the road closure

Work on the Sandy Lane relief road began more than 15 years ago before being halted.

Construction got under way again last year, and part of the existing Sandy Lane between Kislingbury and Duston was closed while work took place.

A section of the road was reopened to traffic this summer.

The council has said it is "very close" to confirming an accelerated timeline for completing the remaining route to the A4500 junction.

Pending the selection of a developer, work is expected to begin in the coming weeks.